Which term describes aggression aimed at obtaining a desired object or outcome?

• A. Hostile aggression
• B. Relational aggression
• C. Instrumental aggression
• D. Reactive aggression

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how aggression is motivated by its function or purpose. Instrumental aggression is aggression used as a means to an end—it's proactive and goal-directed. The aggressor intends to obtain a desired object or outcome, and the aggressive act serves as a strategy to achieve that goal. For example, grabbing a toy from another child to get the toy you want is instrumental because the aggression is a tool to reach a specific objective, not just an expression of anger.

By contrast, hostile aggression is driven by anger with the primary aim of hurting someone, and reactive aggression occurs as a response to a threat or provocation. Relational aggression targets social relationships or status through manipulation or social harm rather than directly pursuing a tangible object. So the scenario described fits instrumental aggression because the action is used to obtain something the person desires.